Aphid

Guides

  • Therioaphis trifolii

    yellow clover aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid

    Therioaphis trifolii is a phloem-feeding aphid and major agricultural pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and clover species (Trifolium spp.). The species exhibits significant intraspecific variation, with distinct biotypes showing host-specific adaptations: the spotted alfalfa aphid (SAA) primarily colonizes Medicago species, while the spotted clover aphid (SCA) specializes on Trifolium. Native to the western Palaearctic, it has established globally including Australia, North America, and parts of Asia. The species manipulates host plant defense pathways through salivary secretions, activating salicylic acid signaling while suppressing jasmonic acid responses to improve host suitability.

  • Thripsaphis

    Thripsaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae. The genus contains species associated with sedges (Cyperaceae), including Thripsaphis ballii, which has been documented on shoreline sedge in Oklahoma wetlands. Thripsaphis aphids are morphologically adapted for life on monocot hosts, with some species exhibiting reduced or modified structures compared to other aphid genera. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and North America.

  • Thripsaphis cyperi

    Thripsaphis cyperi is a species of aphid first described by Walker in 1848. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Allaphis cyperi, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty in the genus Thripsaphis. The species belongs to the subfamily Calaphidinae and tribe Saltusaphidini, a group of aphids often associated with sedge hosts (family Cyperaceae). No iNaturalist observations exist for this taxon, and published biological data remain scarce.

  • Tinocallis

    elm aphids, crapemyrtle aphids

    Tinocallis is a small genus of aphids in the subfamily Calaphidinae, comprising eight described species. Most species are associated with Ulmaceae (elm family), though one notable exception, T. kahawaluokalani (the crapemyrtle aphid), is a specialist pest of Lagerstroemia indica. Species exhibit holocyclic life cycles with both parthenogenetic summer generations and sexual autumn generations producing overwintering eggs. Several species are economically significant as pests of ornamental trees in urban landscapes.

  • Tinocallis takachihoensis

    Japanese elm aphid

    Tinocallis takachihoensis is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described from Japan in 1972. It is closely related to the well-studied crapemyrtle aphid (Tinocallis kahawaluokalani), a specialist pest of crape myrtle trees in the southeastern United States. The species has been recorded in Belgium and the Azores (São Miguel), suggesting some capacity for dispersal or human-mediated introduction. Like other members of the genus Tinocallis, it is likely a specialist herbivore feeding on phloem sap of its host plants.

  • Tinocallis ulmifolii

    Elm Leaf Aphid

    Tinocallis ulmifolii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described by Monell in 1879. It is one of eight recognized species in the genus Tinocallis, a small group of aphids primarily associated with the Ulmaceae (elm family). The species is commonly known as the Elm Leaf Aphid.

  • Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae

    elm aphid

    Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described by Matsumura in 1919. It belongs to the genus Tinocallis, a group of eight species primarily associated with Ulmaceae (elm family). The species is a specialist herbivore feeding on elm foliage. It has been recorded from Europe (Spain, Italy, Great Britain) and the United States.

  • Trama

    root aphids

    Trama is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Tramini. These insects are commonly known as root aphids due to their subterranean feeding habits. The genus was established by von Heyden in 1837 and is distinguished from other aphid genera by morphological adaptations for life below ground.

  • Tramini

    Tramini is a tribe of aphids within the family Aphididae, subfamily Lachninae. Members are medium to large aphids characterized by robust bodies, long antennae, and siphunculi that are either absent or reduced to small pores. The tribe includes conifer-feeding aphids, with many species associated with pine (Pinus) hosts.

  • Trioxys

    Trioxys is a genus of aphid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Aphidiinae (Braconidae). Species within this genus are internal parasitoids of aphids and have been studied for their biological control potential against agricultural pests. Some species, such as T. indicus, exhibit adaptive learning in host discrimination behavior, with experience reducing superparasitism and improving oviposition efficiency. Other species, including T. utilis and T. pallidus, have been deployed or studied for management of specific aphid pests in crops such as alfalfa and hazelnut.

  • Tuberculatus

    Tuberculatus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Aleksandr Mordvilko in 1894. Species in this genus feed exclusively on trees in the family Fagaceae, including oaks, beeches, and chestnuts. The genus exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution and contains species with two contrasting ecological strategies: ant-attended and non-attended populations. Research on Tuberculatus has focused extensively on its symbiotic relationships with ants and bacteria.

  • Tuberculatus pallidus

    pale oak aphid

    Tuberculatus pallidus is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Davidson in 1919. It belongs to the genus Tuberculatus, which comprises aphids primarily associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.). The species name "pallidus" refers to its pale coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a specialist feeder on oak foliage, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.

  • Tuberolachnus

    giant willow aphid, giant bark aphid

    Tuberolachnus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Mordvilko in 1909. The genus contains three described species, with Tuberolachnus salignus (the giant willow aphid) being the most well-known and widely studied. Members of this genus are among the largest aphids in the world, with body lengths reaching up to 5.8 mm. They are notable for their obligate parthenogenetic reproduction, extremely low genetic diversity, and status as invasive pests in multiple regions including New Zealand, India, and Patagonia.

  • Uroleucon adenocaulonae

    Uroleucon adenocaulonae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Essig in 1936. As a member of the genus Uroleucon, it shares characteristics with other large aphids that feed on plants in the Asteraceae family. The specific epithet suggests an association with Adenocaulon, a genus of plants commonly known as trailplant. Like other Uroleucon species, it likely exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction during favorable seasons.

  • Uroleucon ambrosiae

    Brown Ambrosia Aphid

    Uroleucon ambrosiae is a medium-sized aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the brown ambrosia aphid. Native to North America, it exhibits geographic variation in host specificity, with eastern populations highly specialized on giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) while southwestern populations feed more broadly on Asteraceae plants. In Brazil, it has emerged as a significant pest of hydroponically-grown lettuce, where it vectors lettuce mosaic virus and promotes sooty mold through honeydew excretion. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, forming all-female colonies. Its populations serve as important prey for diverse natural enemies including flower fly larvae, lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, making it a key component of biological control food webs in both natural and agricultural systems.

  • Uroleucon caligatum

    Northern Green Goldenrod Aphid

    Uroleucon caligatum is a North American aphid species in the family Aphididae, specialized on goldenrod hosts in the genus Solidago. The species exhibits significant intraspecific variability in performance across different host plant clones. Like other Uroleucon species, it likely reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season. Field studies have demonstrated that plant clone identity strongly affects aphid developmental time, adult weight, and colony growth.

  • Uroleucon cirsii

    Large Thistle Aphid

    Uroleucon cirsii, commonly known as the large thistle aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is a phloem-feeding insect that specializes on thistles and related plants in the Asteraceae family. Like other members of the genus Uroleucon, it exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction during the growing season, forming colonies of females that reproduce without males. The species is known from Europe, with confirmed records in Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.

  • Uroleucon erigeronense

    Large fleabane daisy aphid

    Uroleucon erigeronense is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Thomas in 1878. It feeds primarily on plants in the Asteraceae family, with a particular association with Erigeron (fleabane) species. The species exhibits flexible reproductive strategies: holocyclic in northern climates, producing sexual forms in autumn, and anholocyclic in warmer regions. It shows seasonal host-shifting behavior, moving between overwintering perennial hosts and blooming annuals. Native to North America, it has been introduced to Europe, Australia, and Korea.

  • Uroleucon eupatoricolens

    Uroleucon eupatoricolens is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Uroleucon, it is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on plants in the Asteraceae family. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, producing all-female colonies. When disturbed, colonies exhibit synchronized twitching and kicking defensive behaviors. These aphids serve as important prey for diverse predator communities including lady beetles, lacewings, flower flies, and spiders.

  • Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum

    red goldenrod aphid

    Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum, commonly known as the red goldenrod aphid, is a North American aphid species introduced to Japan. In its native range, it is a specialist feeder on Solidago (goldenrod) species. Following introduction to Japan, this aphid has demonstrated remarkable dietary flexibility, expanding its host range to include multiple exotic plant species beyond its native specialization. The species exhibits complex ecological interactions, including semiochemical-mediated relationships with gall-forming flies and serves as prey for various native parasitoids and predators in its introduced range.

  • Uroleucon obscuricaudatum

    Dusky-tailed Sunflower Aphid

    Uroleucon obscuricaudatum is a North American aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Dusky-tailed Sunflower Aphid. It is a specialist feeder on Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye sunflower) and related Asteraceae plants. The species exhibits typical aphid life history traits including parthenogenetic reproduction during the growing season. Like other Uroleucon species, it produces honeydew and serves as prey for diverse natural enemies including lady beetles, flower flies, lacewings, and spiders.

  • Uroleucon picridis

    Ox-tongue Aphid

    Uroleucon picridis, commonly known as the Ox-tongue Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Uroleucon, it is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on plants in the Asteraceae family. The species exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction during the growing season, with colonies consisting entirely of females. It serves as an important food source for numerous predators including lady beetles, lacewings, flower flies, and spiders, making it a significant component of garden and agricultural food webs.

  • Uroleucon pseudambrosiae

    Wild Lettuce Aphid

    Uroleucon pseudambrosiae is a North American aphid species that feeds on wild lettuce (Lactuca spp.) and related Asteraceae plants including dandelion (Taraxacum), pilewort (Erechtites hieracifolia), and Sonchus asper. It is known to serve as a vector for watermelon mosaic virus. The species exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction during spring and summer, forming all-female colonies.

  • Uroleucon rudbeckiae

    goldenglow aphid

    Uroleucon rudbeckiae, the goldenglow aphid, is a bright red aphid species specialized on Rudbeckia host plants. Adults measure 2.4–3.2 mm with distinctive yellow legs, black antennae, and reticulated siphunculi. Populations exhibit characteristic mid-summer rise and late-summer decline on native perennials, with colony dynamics driven by immigration patterns and predation pressure rather than weather or host quality degradation.

  • Uroleucon sonchi

    Sow-thistle Aphid, Large Sow-thistle Aphid, Brown Lettuce Aphid

    Uroleucon sonchi is a large aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the sow-thistle aphid or brown lettuce aphid. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced to multiple continents and is now cosmopolitan in distribution. The species is economically significant as a pest of cultivated lettuce and related crops, while also occurring on wild Asteraceae hosts. It reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, typical of many aphids.

  • Uroleucon taraxaci

    Bronze-brown Dandelion Aphid

    Uroleucon taraxaci is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Bronze-brown Dandelion Aphid. As a member of the genus Uroleucon, it shares characteristics with related species that exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction during spring and summer, forming all-female colonies. The species is associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly dandelion (Taraxacum). Like other Uroleucon aphids, it produces honeydew that attracts predators and parasitoids. The species has been documented across parts of Europe and Asia.

  • Uroleucon tuataiae

    Uroleucon tuataiae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Olive in 1963. It belongs to the large genus Uroleucon, which contains numerous species associated with plants in the Asteraceae family. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to be a phloem-feeding insect that reproduces parthenogenetically during favorable seasons. The species is recognized as valid in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and the Catalogue of Life.

  • Uroleucon verbesinae

    Bicolored Frostweed Aphid

    Uroleucon verbesinae is a North American aphid species in the family Aphididae. It belongs to the large genus Uroleucon, whose members typically feed on plants in the Asteraceae family. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, producing all-female colonies. Like other Uroleucon aphids, it exhibits synchronized defensive behaviors when disturbed.

  • Utamphorophora

    Utamphorophora is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It was established by Knowlton in 1946. The genus is currently accepted by GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym of Taiwanomyzus. Records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.

  • Utamphorophora crataegi

    Four-spotted Hawthorn Aphid

    Utamphorophora crataegi is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Four-spotted Hawthorn Aphid. The species was originally described as Amphorophora crataegi by Monell in 1879 and later transferred to the genus Utamphorophora. It is associated with hawthorn (Crataegus) as a host plant, as indicated by its specific epithet. The species has been recorded in Hawaii and the conterminous United States.

  • Vesiculaphis

    Vesiculaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, first described by Del Guercio in 1911. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini within the subfamily Aphidinae. The genus includes species such as Vesiculaphis caricis, which feeds on plants by sucking sap. Records indicate a distribution in Norway and Sweden.

  • Vesiculaphis caricis

    Vesicular Azalea-Sedge Aphid

    Vesiculaphis caricis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Fullaway in 1910. Originally placed in the genus Toxoptera, it is now classified in the genus Vesiculaphis. The species has a known distribution in Hawaii and the continental United States.

  • Wahlgreniella nervata

    Strawberry Tree Aphid

    Wahlgreniella nervata is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree Aphid. The species has been documented in Europe and South America, with observations concentrated on cultivated and ornamental plants. It is associated with plants in the genus Arbutus, particularly Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree). The species was first described by Gillette in 1908.